What has actually happened to Key Colony Beach?
This page summarizes both the boondoggle around the repair or replacement of City Hall and the high points of city official malfeasance. Read more of the details here.
City Hall
Category 5 Hurricane Irma caused widespread destruction in 2017.
The city did not to deploy the City Hall flood barriers but City Hall survived winds over 120 mph and storm flooding of about 14" above its main floor.
Mayor DeNeale reported FEMA and the independent engineer didn't find enough damage to warrant demolishing and rebuilding City Hall. The Commission condemned the building. Read about the steps they took to convince us here.
The flood insurance proof of loss showed $134,201.90 in damages.
Despite the condemnation, Public Works repaired most damage and the police department and city staff used the offices and bathrooms for more than a year.
All city meetings and community activities were held in the condemned city hall into 2022.
The post office was still in service in the condemned city hall into 2023.
The city proposes a wide-spread complex expected to cost over $14 million. City residents hold the plan is too expensive, too large, and not in keeping with community architecture.
Two contractors bid. The bid review team tossed one. Then they noted that, "The city should publish a new solicitation of bids."
City Malfeasance
City officials hide from constituents. Read how and what they hide here.
The city has a proprietary interest to use fines and fees for profit.
City officials violate accounting standards, statutes, and ordinances.
City officials abuse power.
City officials breed mistrust with "spin" and outright misstatements.
"What amazes me is how the city has been in a constant downhill spiral since Moonis was hired as a part time administrator and accelerated under Turner," one resident wrote. "Staffing, vehicles, trailers, and what is most reprehensible, the us versus them attitude of city administration and code enforcement, all unchecked by the city commission."
In short, nearly six years later, Key Colony Beach is a mess. Read more of the details here.